Understanding the current demand for AR-based education and top apps in the field

In a swiftly changing world, where cities expand their territory into empty spaces, technology too evolves in a blink of an eye. However, for augmented reality (AR), it took a huge amount of time to be accepted as a disruptive technology in the market. Today, thanks to lower prices of headsets, social distancing, this discipline are more likely to gain traction, especially in the post-COVID-19 world. As students around the world are busy getting educated from online classes, AR can enhance their learning experience by blurring the line between physical and digital worlds. For instance: students can learn about ancient Egypt by virtually visiting the world, maybe shake hands with the pharaohs of the past, and learn about their culture. They do not have to wonder about the sound a tiger makes when they can hear it roar at the comfort of their homes. Hence AR promises will bring more registrations for distance learning at lower costs and prevent them from missing out on the benefits of learning in a collaborative environment. Here are some of the apps; teachers can use to bring AR-based education experience for the students.

1. Google Expeditions: This offers a mix between AR and VR and allows a teacher to guide students through 360° scenes and 3D objects, pointing out interesting sites and artifacts along the way. This augmented reality app is available for IOS and Android. After downloading the free Expeditions AR app, one can take tours from the Smithsonian or view a life-sized human skeleton on a classroom desk by choosing from hundreds of such courses.

2. FETCH! Lunch Rush: Developed by PBS KIDS, this is an AR app that can be used to teach math skills to elementary students through the use of visualization. Designed in 3D, the app uses a smartphone camera to place graphics on one's camera over real-world surroundings. The app then teaches elementary students to add and subtract using real-world scenarios which allow for visualization while solving math problems. It is available for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad and for free at the App Store.

3. Catchy Words AR: It is an AR-based word game designed for elementary school student who will enjoy this free word game that combines learning with movement. Without touching the screen, students walk around "catching" letters with their devices to solve word puzzles. This app will be immensely helpful to kids who have difficulty in learning words.

4. Anatomy 4D: This is best suitable for medical students. From the skeletal system to the muscular and digestive systems, those interested in anatomy will have information about various human systems on their fingertips. By scanning printed targets, the application shows 3D models of a human body and allows to interact with it. Users may change and adjust any part of the human body, learn more about parts, joints, functions etc.  It is available for iPhone and Android.

5. GeoGoggle: This app, helps students master geography skills and in judging distances to specific destinations. They can learn geographical measurement such as latitude and longitude by applying GeoGoggle to real-world surroundings. Further, it can teach to calculate altitude and the distance between two points using a 3D compass.

6. CoSpaces Edu: This allows students to build their 3D creations out of a library of content, create infographics animate the creations with code, and and tell stories through virtual exhibits and tours. Students can also project their virtual creations onto any surface in the real world in AR. The app promises to improve digital literacy skills, enhance creativity, and promote creative collaboration.

7. EKID: It is a beautifully designed AR app that enables children up to 8 years of age to explore the world around them by using augmented flash cards. This is a smart educational tool that is compliant with the COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection) rule and is designed to be used at home or within the classroom. The application explores animals, mammals, creatures, insects and various modes of transport. The application is free from in-app adverts. However, there are in-app purchases for further flashcard content. It is available for iPhone and iPad.

8. Freedom Stories: This was developed by Harriet Tubman Institute for Research on the Global Migrations of African Peoples and the Augmented Reality Lab York University, Toronto. Teachers can use this AR app to teach students about the historical incidents of bygone times. They can use the app to take students to go down the memory lane about the incidents connected to the period when the US/Canada Underground Railroad was being commissioned or explain what happened in the Pearl Harbor decades ago. They only need to download and install this AR app along with the flashcards that come with it. Once installed, teachers can print these flashcards. Next, they need to launch the app and point the image that is depicted on each of the cards to the device's camera. The whole thing will be a thrilling experience for the students.

9. Elements 4D: Made by DAQRI, this AR app lets students combine different elements to see chemistry in action. The app features a collection of 4D cubes that can be prepared by printing the special element blocks on a letter-sized paper and then, cutting them out and folding them. The blocks can then be held in front of any device camera to see the elements in augmented reality. Students can use the cubes to learn about 36 different elements, along with detailed information such as atomic weight, fun facts and trivia about each.

10.Exoplanet: It is a fun interactive tool that helps students discover planets. It also features a sky map and a high-quality visual model of our Solar System. The developers of this application update it quite regularly. Thus, the information and facts presented in it remain relevant. This is much similar to Google Sky Map.